As the cold weather approaches, drivers need to be especially cautious on Virginia roads. There is a marked surge in traffic accidents each winter as snowstorms and other heavy precipitation create adverse conditions on highways and local streets. Adding to weather-related hazards are the constant dangers from other vehicles on the road. Not all drivers observe the caution demanded by winter driving, and even those who are careful may not be able to avert collisions.

Here is a short list of common wintertime hazards that can cause auto accidents:

1. Black ice — When temperatures plummet, moisture on the road can freeze, creating patches of ice. Black ice is especially dangerous as it is nearly invisible, especially at night.
2. Slush and sleet — Melting snow can turn into slush, creating a slippery surface. Sleet, a combination of rain and frozen ice pellets, can further reduce traction.
3. Freezing rain — Freezing rain creates an instant layer of ice on road surfaces. It can also coat overpasses, trees and power lines. Icicles can form and later fall onto moving vehicles.
4. Frozen bridges and overpasses — Bridges and overpasses freeze more quickly than other road surfaces because they are exposed to cold air on all sides.
5. Snow accumulation — Accumulated snow on shoulders and on roads themselves can constrain traffic, making it more difficult for drivers to maneuver and to avoid collisions. In addition, snow that accumulates on the roofs of cars and trucks can come off in sheets or clumps and hit other vehicles.
6. Unplowed or untreated roads — Delayed snow removal or road treatment can result in hazardous driving conditions.
7. Reduced visibility — Winter storms often bring fog, heavy precipitation and blowing snow. Drivers may have difficulty seeing the road, potential obstacles and other vehicles. Reduced visibility often leads to collisions at intersections and while changing lanes.
8. Sun glare — Sunlight reflected off fallen snow and other shiny surfaces can temporarily blind drivers, especially when the sun is at a low angle in the morning or evening.
9. Inadequate lighting — Shorter days and longer nights during winter mean more driving in low-light conditions. Inadequate street lighting combined with reduced visibility due to weather conditions can increase the risk of accidents.

Common automobile accidents that occur in wintertime are spin-outs, lane-drifting accidents and rear-end crashes. All of these can result from decreased maneuverability, lesser pavement friction and loss of control of a vehicle, whether it be yours or another driver’s. More potentially devasting is a collision that can occur when a truck loses control. If you are hurt in a collision, you may have the right to recover money damages.

At Pikrallidas & Probasco, we focus on winning compensation for people hurt in auto accidents. Our firm has offices in Fairfax, Manassas, Centreville and Front Royal to serve Virginia and Washington, D.C. residents. Please call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online for a free consultation.